10 weird ways animals have served the military: Insects

10 ways animals have served the military

Insect cyborgs

Insect cyborgs might sound like something out of a science-fiction movie, but the U.S. Department of Defense is developing such creatures as part of its Hybrid Insect Initiative. Scientists implant electronic controls into insects’ bodies during the early stages of metamorphosis and allow tissue to grow around them. The insects can then be tracked, controlled and used to gather or transmit information. For example, a caterpillar could carry a microphone to record conversations or a gas sensor to detect a chemical attack.